After rumours circulated on Friday evening that former Wigan Warriors centre Oliver Gildart would be headed to Leigh Leopards for the rest of 2023 it led to a lot of confusion. That was because Gildart has signed with Hull KR for the 2024 season and there just so happens to be a huge fixture coming between the Leopards and Robins in the shape of the Challenge Cup Final on August 12th.
It was quickly clarified that if the deal did go through then Gildart would not be eligible to play in the final at Wembley with the former England international having not registered for the club prior to the semi-final, a stipulation in the RFL’s Operational Rules.
Nevertheless the clubs still play at the end of the month in the league and given the tight nature of the playoffs it would earn Gildart a very frosty reception in Hull next season if he were to score a try that ultimately denied the Robins a spot in the top six.
Leigh confirmed the signing today announcing that Gildart would be with the Leopards till the end of the season, seeing him reunite with former his old Wigan boss Adrian Lam, and providing invaluable cover for Ricky Leutele who will miss the rest of the season.
As it had done on Friday when the rumours circulated social media was quick to react with both praise and criticism for the Leopards.
The strongest of which saw one fan claim signings of this nature should be banned.
https://twitter.com/YorkshirePad/status/1686369724656185346?s=20
Another said it was a great reflection of Leigh growing and becoming a destination for future stars.
https://twitter.com/Phil63364544/status/1686394055003975680?s=20
There was jokes that Gildart could be a mole in the camp and provide Peters and his team tips for the Wembley match-up in just under a fortnight.
I’m sure Oliver will be phoning the KR boys with all the secrets !!! Don’t let us down Olly, remember you’re a Robin
— RufusReble13 (@13RufusReble) August 1, 2023
One fan commented on the ruthless speed of Derek Beaumont and the club recruiting Gildart.
Leutele injured, need a replacement, two games later…. Bosh NRL centre – Derek does not mess around 🐆 https://t.co/PK9l0QhOJN
— Danny Mulcrow (@danny_mulcrow) August 1, 2023
Another fan was clearly very unhappy with the signing.
Absolute fucking joke. https://t.co/xqVTuC8UyH
— tigerax (@TigeraxGG) August 1, 2023
One Hull KR fan seemed to think it would result in Gildart’s contract being torn up at Craven Park.
Yeh, that's the end of him signing for us, reckon Rovers will be well cheesed off with this.
— Tim Clark (@timclark59) August 1, 2023
